Aldermen submit application to access grant

Published: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 08:11 PM.

New Bern aldermen agreed Tuesday night to seek grant funding for a river walkway along Lawson Creek that has been talked about for years.

After public comment the board approved a resolution to submit an application for a public beach and coastal waterfront access grant up to $230,000. The grant can be used for land acquisition and site improvement projects for public access in coastal areas.

In April 2013, Development Services submitted a pre-application to construct a greenway trail along the Lawson Creek section of the Trent River to the Public Housing Authority property from South Front Street, near Eden Street, to Leander Morgan Park.

At that time, the anticipated cost of construction was $445,000, which included a non-motorized boat launch for kayaks and canoes, and a pier with a gazebo.

Mike Epperson, city manager, said in August the city received notification it was selected to apply for a reduced grant of $230,000. That grant would require a 25 percent match of $57,500, he said.

Half of the match is required in cash, and the remainder can be in-kind services. Epperson said the city budgeted $26,000 for matching funds.

Rose Williams, a citizen, told aldermen she has not seen the plans but was concerned about the safety of the proposed river walk. She asked if it would go over the water. The city once had a plan to build a walking bridge over Lawson Creek to Jack’s Island.

New Bern aldermen agreed Tuesday night to seek grant funding for a river walkway along Lawson Creek that has been talked about for years.

After public comment the board approved a resolution to submit an application for a public beach and coastal waterfront access grant up to $230,000. The grant can be used for land acquisition and site improvement projects for public access in coastal areas.

In April 2013, Development Services submitted a pre-application to construct a greenway trail along the Lawson Creek section of the Trent River to the Public Housing Authority property from South Front Street, near Eden Street, to Leander Morgan Park.

At that time, the anticipated cost of construction was $445,000, which included a non-motorized boat launch for kayaks and canoes, and a pier with a gazebo.

Mike Epperson, city manager, said in August the city received notification it was selected to apply for a reduced grant of $230,000. That grant would require a 25 percent match of $57,500, he said.

Half of the match is required in cash, and the remainder can be in-kind services. Epperson said the city budgeted $26,000 for matching funds.

Rose Williams, a citizen, told aldermen she has not seen the plans but was concerned about the safety of the proposed river walk. She asked if it would go over the water. The city once had a plan to build a walking bridge over Lawson Creek to Jack’s Island.

Alderman Denny Bucher said the river walk would not cross the creek and Epperson said the walkway would be set back from the river.

Williams said she would like to see a plan before the board votes on anything.

Mayor Lee Bettis said the public would see a plan of the proposal, but there is not a formal plan yet. The city was just trying to get funding for the project, which would include funding for the planning, he said.

Kevin Robinson of Development Services showed a preliminary map of the area that was initially being considered with the walkway set back 30 feet from Lawson Creek and no danger of anyone falling in the water. The initial plans also called for two access points, a dock for fishing and a dock behind Tryon Palace with a gazebo. The city hopes to put in benches along the path and tie the walkway into Eden Street and South Front Street, he said.

Williams and another citizen, Edwin Vargas, also asked about what precautions the city was taking because the area around the Housing Authority was in a flood zone.

Bettis said the city did not know yet if it would be approved for the grant funding, but if it was every precaution would be considered.

“Let’s get the money first then we will solve that,” he said.

Eddie Fitzgerald can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at eddie.fitzgerald@newbernsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @staffwriter3.